The Best Time of The Year

November: my favorite month! It's a time to celebrate all of the things we are thankful for. My list happens to be abundant, and I will spare you 1/2 and hour of reading by revising and simplifying to these few precious things:

1. This November Cameron and I are celebrating our first wedding anniversary. A year ago (tomorrow) we said vows and made promises to love, honor, and cherish each other. We have not done it perfectly in this past year (nor am I expecting that we will ever go a year without some sort of slip up) but, we've grown more in this year than ever before in our lives. It is a victory and a milestone that we are both proud of... and I can personally say with confidence that these past few months have refreshed my respect and admiration for Cameron. Lately, I think about him and our life together and am overwhelmed with thankfulness to God! It's a "puppy love" sort of feeling that is not always a constant of marriage, and I think the timing of these feelings is perfectly appropriate. I'm a happy and thankful woman!

2. On to less mushy matters... November means something very simple and important to me: cool weather. I LOVE LAYERS! I love crisp air and boots. I love scarves and sweaters. I love chili in the crockpot, football on the TV, and a fire in the fireplace. It's fall.

3. I'm grateful for an END to this crazy crazy school semester. For the record, I am not meant to be a physicist. OR a computer engineer. I'm looking forward to an easier semester next year.

4. Okay - last one I promise! And I saved the best for last! I made a discovery this November that I am truly grateful for. Call me silly if you want... But, here it goes: Trader Joes Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Vanilla Coconut Milk. You guys, it's amazing! Try it.

Just add a few tablespoons to some warm Vanilla Coconut Milk, if you're feeling really crazy top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy the heavenly treat! While you're sipping, take a second to think about all of the things you have to be thankful for. I have a feeling it will be good for your soul and your stomach.

-Katie

Summer

August is here! What a summer it has been... BUSY is the most fitting word to describe it. I've been working full time and going to school while Cameron has been putting in plenty of hours in the rig!

In July, Cameron turned the big 2-5, and we celebrated with a Mustache Bash! What a joy to be surrounded by so many sweet friends!

It has been SUCH a beautiful summer! But, I must admit that I'm most looking forward to all things fall: sweaters and boots, apples in Julian, pumpkin patches, school supplies, and celebrating a YEAR of marriage to my best friend!

'til next time!!

-Katie

Carmel Mountain Livin

Do you remember the last time I blogged? Yeah, me either.

Sorry. I guess the move and the flu threw me off and then, well, I kind of just forgot to blog. Either that or I got so overwhelmed with the idea of updating that I just didn't. Excuses, excuses...

What to say? We're officially moved into our Carmel Mountain residence (photos to come once I've rearranged everything a thousand more times). It's just a great little apartment and we are settling in nicely. What a joy to have space! and a washer/dryer that can fit more than one towel at a time... Grateful is the word of the month for me! Learning to be grateful for everything.

Cam got a new job working for San Diego Medical Services as an EMT. The company is amazing and has been treating him so well... He already talks about the people like they're family. As for the 5pm-3am shift... well... We'll survive! Cam's also been testing at fire departments all over the country. Who knew it was such a process! While I'd like to select a beautiful setting like Denver or Seattle for these first steps, beggars can't be choosers, and we will take anything! I think we're both excited to see what unfolds!

I'm slowly opening up my schedule to make more time for school. I have new vision and I'm excited to really put some work in.

Last weekend Cam got the opportunity to work with some of the most brilliantly creative minds on a shoot for "Change for Change" (our friends incredible organization that sells really unique necklaces and donates proceeds to charities). The model in him is really something else. I was just excited to soak up some time in Sarah Shreves Pasadena home (featured here on design sponge). Below is a little glimpse "behind the scenes":

Happy Wednesday!

-Kate

Celebrate!

Today is my best friend's birthday.

11 years ago I met Skyler Trown... She and I were knit of the same cloth - unkempt hair, shirts that came just to the top of our jeans, zero makeup (rightfully so. we were 12!), and the occasional pair of overalls. We met in the prime of our awkward middle school days and she was an instant sister to me. We've walked through it all together; loss of loved ones, drivers licenses, relationships, college, big moves and marriage. She's a lifer. One of the rarest types of friends. Needless to say, I'm so very grateful to have her in my life and so excited to experience more of the journey together!

Happy Birthday Skyler Boice! Cam and I love you so much!

16 years old. Circa 2003? Note our matching hair cuts... I'm pretty sure I copied her...

My wedding day! Circa 2010.

To The Neighbors Above...

Dear Upstairs Neighbors,

Congratulations! I'm writing this letter to inform you that you've officially earned the title of "Loudest neighbors I've ever had!"

Listening in on some of the most vulnerable moments of your life (i.e. hellacious fights, bumpin parties, and nights that I'm frankly too embarassed to mention...) was a real adventure. Although actual decibel level has not yet been recorded, you've blown all other contestants out of the water in terms of noise and intensity. A true accomplishment.

It's been a pleasure getting to know you without ever actually seeing your face. However, I hope you wont take personal offense when I say that you are not one of the factors that will be missed in our upcoming relocation.

Sincerely,

Katie Teresa Johnson

Via Las Vegas

Headed to Vegas this weekend for Cam's Fire Exam with the Henderson Fire Department... While Cam is testing, I get to play with my sweet SIL and MIL. Ladies Day. But first: a very long, rainy drive on a Friday evening. Happy Weekend!! -Kate

NEW CHAIRS!

Purchased some new dining room chairs today...

I'm swooning over them.

Thank you, craigslist.